PLANET CAKE UPDATE JANUARY 31ST 2010

Planet Cake has been a hive of activity this week as the year is well and truly in full swing. The guys and gals in the office have been working away making delicious goody bags for our Dream Team demo, while the studio has been bursting with its next batch of ground breaking edible creations.

2010 sees a new era for Planet Cake as we continue to push boundaries to bring you the most innovative, unique, and let’s face it, just plain cool cakes.

One of the major challenges of our job here is the process of turning a concept into a cake. While our guys ARE the best, sometimes they have to perform minor miracles for this to happen. This fabulous self-designed seventh birthday cake, by a very talented young boy who had a great time working with Antony at PC, is a great example of the process from


…..Concept:

…to cake!

A future in cake design perhaps?


Next up this week, is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s Margie and her amazing realistic Superman figurines! While she makes it look like a piece of cake (pardon the pun, even I have to admit that one was pretty bad!), realistic figurines like this can take up to three days to create, although we think the end result is well worth it!

We love a unique wedding cake at PC, and this one created for a couple of big Superman fans is no exception

With all these quirky and unique cakes, believe it or not, sometimes the most difficult cakes to design and execute are the hardest, and a clean, show-stopping simple black and white cake like this is a true credit to both designer and artist. The stand out this week was certainly this two tier black and white, which is set to become a modern classic:

Be sure to check out the blog later in the week for all the photos of the Dream Team Demo which happened at the Citigate Hotel yesterday. The day was a huge success and a big thank you to all those who made it such a special day.

Thea x

PLANET CAKE JANUARY UPDATE

Hi Guys,

Well the stockings have been packed away, the last of the Chrissie cake devoured, the new years hangover is nothing more than a memory and with the mercury is rising here in Sydney it is increasingly clear that January is well and truly upon us! It’s great to see everyone’s smiling (slightly more bronzed) faces here again, as we now have everyone back on board for what is set to be Planet Cake’s busiest year ever. As most of you know this year sees lots of exciting new developments for us including the launch of the second book, increased classes in Melbourne and Brisbane, new staff members, and a LOT of new, ground breaking workshops. This year will see Paris and Antony teaching workshops for the first time and introducing students to the very inner workings of their brilliant brains! Meanwhile Trish Harrison is bringing her figurine knowledge to the world, while Jessica shares her passion for all things chocolate.

It seems that the more courses we run the more demand there is, so I would like to thank all of our students who helped to make 2009 so successful and we can’t wait to see you all again this year.

While it has been a little quiet on the blog front, we have been as busy as ever here at Planet Cake creating an abundance of amazing novelty and wedding cakes

It’s always hard to pick a favourite of the week, I mean do these guys have to be so brilliant ALL the time? But this week’s stand out was this 3D Jack Russell we made for a surprise 60th birthday party. The real life terrier is known for terrorizing the neighbours chooks, hence the sneaky feathers in her mouth…just gorgeous!

Last week also saw the long awaited launch of the Cupcake Bootcamp, that’s right guys, welcome to the Future of Cupcakes! It was a great three days in here with Anna Maria and Linda, and it’s hard to know who enjoyed it more, the students or the teachers. This is the most comprehensive cupcake course in existence covering all aspects of cupcake design, decoration and business. Our next Bootcamp will take place in September this year, however judging by its popularity you may want to get in there quickly if you wish to learn from our Cupcake Queen herself Anna Maria

Ever Wanted to Take a Sneak Peak at how our Team Work Their Magic?

After the success of our demo day with the National Baking Institution last year, our dream team will be taking to the stage again next weekend at the Citigate Hotel, to meet our fans. Handi, Jessica and Anna Maria will show case their skills in figurine making and the Madhatter, as well as sharing some of their tips and tricks. This is a great opportunity to have a look at our guys in action and watch them transform a piece of unfinished cake into one of our famous edible creations.
There are still limited places available, and bookings are essential so be sure to enroll online to avoid disappointment.

http://www.planetcake.com.au/courses/cake-decorating-sydney-details.php?cn=DREAM+TEAM+DEMO+-+ADVANCED+FIGURINES+%2ANEW%2A

http://www.planetcake.com.au/courses/cake-decorating-sydney-details.php?cn=DREAM+TEAM+DEMO+-+MADHATTER+%2ANEW%2A

http://www.planetcake.com.au/courses/cake-decorating-sydney-details.php?cn=DREAM+TEAM+DEMO+-+MEDLEY+%2ANEW%2A

NEW CUPCAKE WORKSHOPS LISTED 2010

Fasionista Cupcakes - Alice in Wonderland Cupcakes - Horror Cupcakes - Baby Celebration - Minature Garden (2 Days)

We had a great week this week, not many cakes but a fun 3 days in the kitchen with Stuart, Jess and Margie. Next week will be a lot busier and we are now organising ourselves for the busiest year on record. I hope you all had a great Christmas and have visited the Tea Party http://www.planetcaketeaparty.com.au/. See you next week, we have some great cakes coming up!

HAPPY NY - NEW WORKSHOPS LISTED

Just an update on workshops for next year, I have just loaded a host of new cupcakes works shops and a new discounted Basics 101 on the 31.01.10.
[URL="http://http://www.planetcake.com.au/courses/cake-decorating-sydney-details.php?cn=Bascis+101+-+20%25+DISCOUNT+%28DEC%2FJAN%29"]http://http://www.planetcake.com.au/courses/cake-decorating-sydney-details.php?cn=Bascis+101+-+20%25+DISCOUNT+%28DEC%2FJAN%29[/URL]
On the 30.01.10 we have our dream Team Shows planned at the Citigate Hotel in Sydney, we really enjoy these demonstrations, they are fast paced, very exciting with loads of audience participation, for you get to watch Planet Cake's best cake decorators take up the challenge of the cake decorating marathon and recieve goodie bag and refreshments
[URL="http://www.planetcake.com.au/courses/cake-decorating-sydney-details.php?cn=DREAM+TEAM+DEMO+-+MADHATTER+%2ANEW%2A"]http://www.planetcake.com.au/courses/cake-decorating-sydney-details.php?cn=DREAM+TEAM+DEMO+-+MADHATTER+%2ANEW%2A[/URL]

THE CHRISTMAS EDITION

In the spirit of Christmas I was going to open with a great joke I heard the other day involving Santa and Tiger Woods, but I think I’ll play it safe and open instead with a BIG Merry Christmas to all instead!!

We kicked off the week with Anna Maria and Linda’s Christmas Cupcakes Workshops, which were extremely popular and I’ve had nothing but rave reviews from all who attended

After a busy week involving angelic cupcakes (thank you Jasmina for all your patient help!), an unusual plethora of breast cakes (an interesting Tuesday morning for Stuart) the return of much zenned out Paris, some champers and cheese and a visit from Bonnie Gordon from Canada http://www.bonniegordoncakes.com/. We said farewell to Handi and Margie for 2009. Wishing you both a fantastic holiday and safe travels, we can’t wait to see you in January!

I thought I would finish up today with a little look back at the year that was at Planet Cake. As a relative new comer to PC, even I have been completely blown away by the growth and change of direction we’ve taken throughout the year so I can’t even imagine how the rest of you are feeling.

March saw the long awaited release of “Planet Cake”, and cannot wait for the next book by Paris due out in October 2010 .

In April, we made our first ever appearance at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and were met by so many people inerested in cake decorating. This began our allegiance with the royal agricultural society with whom will be sponsors again next year for the Royal Easter Show 2010

In May, Fran and Rouvelee took on our very first class in Melbourne, turning the Kew Masonic Centre into a Planet Cake wonderland. What a long way we’ve come! Our first month of classes for 2010 are now already sold out and we are set to take on some mini-renovations to make the place even more fabulous

And who could forget the 300 Bvlgari cupcakes in August (myself and Antony dreamed in gold leaf for a week!) and THE Madhatter of the century to help celebrate NIDA’s 50th birthday bash for Cate Blanchett.

A few months over September-November saw a slew of fabulous events, shows, demos and launch parties including the Ultimate Wedding Planners Party, the Dream Team’s demo for the National Baking Institution and the Royal Melbourne Show.
Then in November came Brisbane (at last!!) Our friends up north were everything we’d hoped for and more and we can’t wait to return next year.

As a relative new comer to the world of cakes I would like to take the chance now to thank everyone at PC for making this such an enjoyable year full of fun, delicious baked gods, damn hard work and laughs all round. Its been a pleasure working with each and every one of you, and from the moment I stepped in the doors here I immediately felt like part of the team.

I would also like to thank all of you who have read my blog over the last few months, there’s nothing like receiving positive feedback from all of you to give a girl a real case of the warm fuzzies! From everyone here at Planet Cake, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a fabulous New Year full of love, laughter and bubbly!

I look forward to seeing you all again in 2010

Thea x

PLANET CAKE TEA PARTY LAUNCHED

We have just launched a new social networking site for cake decorators. i have been playing on it all morning and it is just amazinggg ! check it out at www.planetcaketeaparty.com.au enjoyyy !!

PLANET CAKE 2009 AWARDS

What a year we’ve seen here at Planet Cake in 2009! Once again we’ve pushed the boundaries of cake decorating to bring you the gob-smakcing, the amazing, the beautiful, the classic and very often the plain bizarre! Whatever the theme or event however you can be sure each cake is entirely unique and made with love.

So, drum roll if you please, I present to you the 2009 Planet Cake Awards:

BEST MADHATTER

Runner Up
This gorgeous pink Madhatter was for a beach-side ceremony in Byron Bay. Classic, and pretty with a touch of quirky.

Blue Ribbon
This one was definitely a no-brainer. Anna Maria’s Madhatter created for NIDA’s 50th birthday gala, and cut by Cate Blanchett herself even took our breath away

BEST NOVELTY WEDDING CAKE

Runner Up
I have to admit I’m a bit of a sucker for a cake with a special story behind it. After a surprise proposal in Japan this couple celebrated their special day with a replica of Mount Fuji

Blue Ribbon
This couple’s children were devastated to discover their beloved family pet wouldn’t be allowed at the wedding and so were treated to a special edible version instead!

BEST CHILDRENS BIRTHDAY CAKE

Runner Up
A late entry this year. Last week a very lucky 7 year old celebrated her birthday with a self-designed archaeological dig cake. I just love the pink bone- trimming, brilliant!

BLUE RIBBON
Definitely one of 2009’s stand-outs, Margie recreated this scene from Eric Carl’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a 1st birthday earlier this year.

BEST HAND BAG

Runner Up
Famed for our designer handbag cakes I thought I would include a couple of others we’ve made this year. This outrageous hat/handbag cake was designed to celebrate one lucky lady’s 50th birthday and I’m told it was mistaken for the real deal by more than one guest

BLUE RIBBON
This one is a great example of how well an extremely simple design can work, in both fashion and cake. This lucky 21 year old not only received a Ferragamo cake, but the real deal as well

BEST CUPCAKES

Runner Up
An absolute classic, these childrens cupcakes have remained a firm favourite throughout the year

BLUE RIBBON
Once again, this winner is an example of just how well simple elegance works.

BEST TRADITIONAL WEDDING CAKE

Runner Up
By changing the colour scheme, this gorgeous wedding cake pushes boundaries with its classic shape and design, and quirky colour choice.

Blue Ribbon
This one was created for the lovely couple Steve Menzies and Suyin Condon who tied the knot in October this year

BEST NOVELTY

Runner Up

A Moroccan inspired party was treated to this amazing creation earlier this year, I just love everything about this cake

Blue Ribbon

Ah the blood-red Armadillo cake. This was made for the opening night of Sydney’s Steel Magnolia’s, as a replica from the cake mentioned in the famed play. Inside, we dyed the white chocolate cake red, and we supplied matching cupcakes just so everyone knew it was actually edible!

BIG CAKES

Runner Up
This is a great example of just what goes on here behind the scenes. While this looks like a simple one, this cake took a LOT of engineering, with an amazing end result

Blue Ribbon
When Events Planner Anthony Del Col asked us to design a cake for his purple carpet 30th birthday party we certainly rose to the challenge. Not to be deterred by an unseasonable wintery, rainy day, a little creative vision ensured it made it on time, in one (fabulous!) piece to a very special event.

READERS CHOICE!
While these are some of our favourites, this is YOUR blog, so I would love to hear from you guys. Post your comments on your favourite cakes for the week by Monday and I’ll report back next week with the very special Readers Choice Awards.

I can’t wait to hear from you!

Thea x

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

Well it is definately beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in here with cakes in every corner! As we stuff ourselves silly with fruit cake (all in the name of product knowledge of course) delightfully Cristmassy concoctions are popping up all around us.
For those of you who don't live in Sydney I would like to share with you Planet Cake's 2009 Christmas display......
Margie painstakingly created each of these animals by hand to bring to life Antony's design for our Australiana-inspired version of the classic "Partridge in a Pear Tree", topped of course by our very own Funky Betty.

Keep an eye out in the coming week for Planet Cake, the best of 2009! Until then, wishing everyone lots of love and laughter as we charge into the silly season!

Thea

PC DREAM TEAM DEMO SHOWS 30.01.10

Planet Cake is taking their ‘dream team’ to the stage for the first time on the 30/01/10 at the Citigate Hotel in Sydney. The team includes Planet Cake’s Owner and Director Paris Cutler, Queen of the Madhatter Anna Maria Roche and Award Winning Chocolatier Jessica Pedemont.

Sydney-based Planet Cake will be running 3 demonstrations of their most popular cakes and techniques, the Madhatter, Technique Medley and Figurines. Watch as the team works together in unison, each covering a different element. This is an exciting and thorough way to learn how these complex cakes are made as you watch all of the decorators working at once. There will be lots of Planet Cake tips and tricks and plenty of time for Q & A and audience participation.“Attending a Planet Cake demonstration class will be a light bulb moment for many people and I am excited about meeting the students” says Paris Cutler, Planet Cake Director..Perfect for groups looking for an event with a difference, the demonstrations are being held @ Citigate Central Hotel (closest railway station Central). Price is $55 (inclusive of GST) this includes demonstration, Planet Cake discount card and refreshments. For bookings, visit www.planetcake.com.au/courses